Trainer Summer Dickson left Belmont Park today (Wednesday) with a spring in her step after promising filly Mama Tembu made the perfect introduction to her racing career.
The three-year-old created a big impression on debut when she charged home from near last position at the turn to take out the Morley Growers Market Maiden (1200m).
Sent out for her first run off the back of just the one trial, Madam Tembu, starting at $18, hit the line strongly and finished a neck clear of Cywer with a 2 ¼ length gap to third placegetter Steel’s The Deel.
Summer Dickson, noted for her ability to get success with tried horses, is excited by the potential of Mama Tembu and harbours ambitions that she can reach the Group 3 WA Oaks (2400m) at Ascot next month.
“I always thought she showed a lot of promise,” Dickson said.
“She is a beautiful mover.
“I’ve got a handy preparation in mind if everything goes to plan.
“I was pretty happy with the way she finished off.
“She is by Blackfriars and the same mother (Bella Contessa) as Bella’s Idol.
“We think the horse is going to stay.
“Maybe if everything goes to plan, it’s a little bit rushed, but I know I can get the horse nice and fit.
“Eventually we will aim for the WA Oaks.
“I think she is a very handy horse and I’ve always had a very high opinion of her.”
Dickson also heaped praise on jockey Steven Parnham and said he rode the perfect race on Mama Tembu.
“Steven rode this horse an absolute treat,” Dickson said.
“It’s such a blessing to have a jockey ride for me that actually respects what I’m saying and listens to instructions.
“I said you’re going to have to give her some encouragement out of the barriers.
“All you will have to do is drop her back and keep her happy.
“When you straighten keep off the fence because she will take 200m to get going.
“But when she lets down she will have a nice turn of foot.”
Bella’s Idol proved a top staying talent for Dickson with his peak performance last year when he won the South-West Autumn Cup (2219m) at Bunbury.
He also has placings in the Bunbury Cup (2000m), Boulder Cup (2100m) and Towton Cup (2200m).